A Fireplace Supreme

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces have undeniable charm, yet they are the least efficient, most energy-wasteful way to heat a room because so much warmth goes up the chimney. Upgrading to a wood-burning insert or a gas fireplace is a savvier way to stay toasty by the hearth.

Modern wood-burning inserts complying with the latest EPA certifications produce very low particulate levels. In addition to the ambience of a real wood fire, a wood-burning insert fireplace is less expensive to install than gas, and the cost of wood is lower than gas, providing you have access to a consistent log supply.

Gas burns cleaner and produces less air pollution than burning wood, however, and gas fireplaces and inserts don’t require constant cleanup. The heat output from gas systems is more manageable than wood, and heat and flame intensity can often be controlled by remote or integrated with smart-home systems. Most gas systems are designed for piped in natural gas. Propane is an option if natural gas isn’t available. It burns hotter than natural gas, but it’s more expensive and sources from bottles or a bulk tank.

Gas fireplace installations can have a natural vent utilizing an existing chimney through which combustion by-products are vented up a lined chimney. Installing a gas insert seals off the fireplace at the damper area, completelyeliminating cold-air expulsion through the fireplace chimney.

Direct-vent gas fireplaces, which must have a sealed glass door, draw in outdoor air for combustion, then expel spent air to the outside (through the roof or to the side or back of a house) via a dual venting system that maintains more heat than a lined chimney.

Non-vented gas fireplaces have no flue and can be installed almost anywhere in the house without the need for a chimney.  They use catalytic-converter technology (like exhaust systems on new cars sold in the U.S.), which cleans hot air as it leaves the combustion chamber.

For information about fireplace upgrades in the Washington area, give us a call at 202-243-1635 or send us an email at team@hatfieldweir.com.

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SOME: So Others Might Eat

In 1970, an interfaith group of priests, ministers and volunteers started a lunch line on North Capitol and K Streets in Washington, D.C. Each day, the neighborhood would gather to enjoy a free meal.

Out of those early days of soup and sandwiches, SOME grew into what it is today—a leading organization that is improving the quality of life for all citizens of Washington through the provision of Emergency & Social Services, Healthcare, Education & Workforce Development, and Advocacy to eliminate the root causes of homelessness and poverty.

Please consider making a year-end contribution to this worthy organization. Click here to donate.

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Winter Solstice Brunch

Brunch is a perfect way to entertain in December. It’s early enough in the day for guests to pop in and celebrate before evening holiday commitments. The frittata can be prepared in one hour, and the soup and hand pies can be made in advance. Enjoy these three easy pieces with a sparkling flute of Prosecco.

Salmon and Arugula Frittata with Pesto
Butternut Squash Soup
Puff Pastry Cranberry Hand Pies
Prosecco

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WINTER GARDEN:
Pruning, Perennials and Beneficial Bugs

How you tend your garden and winter clean-up can prevent pests and plant diseases in the spring.

In winter, spent perennials, grass, dandelions, and other good weeds are a home for beneficial bugs. Overwintering larvae, nymphs, eggs, and pupae use the dead foliage to grow and hatch next spring, ahead of aphids and other pests that destroy a garden. 

Wait until spring to cut back the dead stalks as soon as plants begin to grow. If you’ve already started pruning, place trimmings in the back of a garden bed and allow them to compost.  The beneficial bugs that live in your winter garden are your first line of defense in the spring.

Washington D.C. is in Zone 7b, and perennials that endure colder months (Rosemary, Pansies, Snowdrops) provide winter nectar to hibernating pollinators that are important to a successful upcoming garden season.

6109 Davenport Terrace
Bethesda
$1,299,000
Virtual Tour

Andrea Hatfield 202-487-4294
Tammy Gale 202-297-0169

5602 York Lane
Greenwich Forest
Bethesda

Heidi Hatfield 202-258-1919
Anne Hatfield Weir 202-255-2490